The Yerevan City Council is set to discuss a proposal to rename Leningradyan Street in honor of Kirk Kerkorian, the American-Armenian businessman, philanthropist, and National Hero of Armenia. The motion, introduced by the Hanrapetutyun faction, which is part of the City Council’s ruling Civil Contract alliance, will be debated during the council’s meeting on October 23.
According to the draft resolution, the proposal is guided by Article 12, Part 1, Clause 23 of the Law on Local Self-Government in Yerevan and Clause 4 of the appendix to Government Resolution No. 2387-N, dated December 29, 2005. The resolution states that Leningradyan Street, located in the Ajapnyak and Malatia-Sebastia districts of Yerevan, extending from the Hrazdan Grand Bridge to the intersection of Sebastia and G. Hasratyan Streets, will be renamed “Kirk Kerkorian Street.”
Kirk Kerkorian, a self-made billionaire and one of the most prominent Armenian figures in the United States, made an indelible mark on both Las Vegas and Armenia. Through his Lincy Foundation, established in 1989, Kerkorian donated more than $1 billion to support Armenia, focusing heavily on post-earthquake reconstruction and economic development following the 1988 Spitak earthquake.
In recognition of his contributions, Armenia awarded Kerkorian the title of National Hero in the early 2000s, the country’s highest state honor.
Kerkorian also played a transformative role in shaping modern Las Vegas. He built the world’s largest hotel three times: the International Hotel in 1969, the original MGM Grand in 1973, and the current MGM Grand in 1993. Beyond his hotel empire, he also purchased the renowned Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) film studio in 1969, solidifying his influence in both the entertainment and hospitality industries.
The initiative to rename Leningradyan Street is part of a broader proposal by the Civil Contract faction, which also includes plans to rename additional streets in the Ajapnyak district. Among them are proposals to name 5th Street in the Silikyan neighborhood after celebrated composer and People’s Artist of the Armenian SSR, Alexander Arutyunyan, and 6th Street after notable composer Aram Satunts.
Kerkorian passed away in 2015 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy, innovation, and unwavering devotion to his Armenian heritage.
